An Atlas V rocket successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Thursday evening. The 19-story-tall rocket carried a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, which operates the nation's system of intelligence-gathering satellites.

Pictures in the News | Dec. 6, 2013

Friday’s Pictures in the News begins in South Africa, where children carry a sign outside the home of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Soweto. Hundreds of people gathered early Friday. Weeping and tears were largely absent; it was more of a spontaneous celebration of the man’s life and the gifts he left South Africa. Full coverage

Athens: Protesters are detained during a massive high school student demonstration against a fatal police shooting.

Costa do Sauipe, Brazil: A Christmas tree was decorated with soccer balls and flags on the eve of the Brazil 2014 FIFA Football World Cup final draw.

Los Angeles: L.A. County social workers, demanding reduced case loads and more staff, went on strike.

Add stops in Indiana, Germany, Poland, Russia and the West Bank to round out the report.